Definition

Chronic venous insufficiency is a problem with how your veins are working. Veins collect blood from the body to bring back to the heart. The veins have one-way valves throughout the blood vessel that keeps the blood moving in the right direction, toward the heart. When these valves do not close properly, blood can leak backwards. This can cause a back up of blood in the veins especially areas of the body where veins must work against gravity like the legs.

Venous Insufficiency

Causes

Chronic venous insufficiency
is caused by higher than normal pressure in the veins and damage to the valves that keep blood flowing toward the heart.
It can be caused by blood clots or swelling and inflammation of the veins called. Blood clots in the legs can damage the valves in the veins. When people get chronic venous insufficiency after a blood clot, it may be referred to as post-thrombotic syndrome. When it occurs after phlebitis, it may be referred to as post-phlebitic syndrome.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. If the diagnosis is not clear from the exam or you are considering surgery, your doctor may have images taken of your bodily structures. This can be done with:

Treatment

Treatment is aimed at maintaining blood flow and preventing it from pooling. Treatment involves the following:

Improving Blood Flow

Your doctor may have you wear special elastic stockings that squeeze the veins in the legs. They will help keep the blood from pooling. You may also be advised to raise your feet and legs above the level of your heart while resting or sleeping. You may need to do this several times a day.

Movement

Your doctor may encourage you to walk and do specific exercises for your legs and feet. You should also avoid long periods of sitting and standing. If you go on an extended trip, get up and walk, or flex your leg muscles every 30 minutes.

Skin Care

Mineral
bath therapy
may help to improve skin redness. You also may be advised to use bandages or apply an antibiotic cream to help prevent skin infection. Wearing compression stockings may also promote healing.

Sclerotherapy or Ablation

Your doctor may recommend sclerotherapy. This treatment involves injecting a caustic material into the affected veins. Scar tissue fills the veins. The blood is rerouted through functioning veins. Ablation is another procedure used to treat the veins. A tiny electrode is inserted into the affected vein. Electricity scars the vein and blocks it off.

With both treatments, your body will resorb the non-functional vein over time.

Surgery

Surgery is reserved for the few cases that do not respond to conservative treatment. The type of surgery will depend on the cause of the condition and the results of testing.
Some possibilities include:

Valve repair

Vein stripping to remove the faulty vein.

Bypass surgery—A new length of artificial vein is connected to two areas of the malfunctioning vein. This allows the blood flow to bypass the area that is not working.

Prevention

To help reduce your chance of developing chronic venous insufficiency, take these steps:

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